The NFL offseason has become a period of massive transformation for teams, and the Chicago Bears are certainly not immune to making moves that shake up their roster. This year, the Bears made headlines with their decision to trade a draft pick for Jonah Jackson, the highly-regarded Detroit Lions guard, while also opting not to tender linebacker Jack Sanborn. These decisions have raised eyebrows around the league, signaling a shift in the Bears’ strategic approach as they look to build a stronger and more competitive team.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what these moves mean for the Chicago Bears, the potential impact of acquiring Jackson, and why they decided to part ways with Sanborn. It’s clear that the Bears are making moves with the future in mind, and these decisions might shape the team’s identity for years to come.
### The Trade for Jonah Jackson
When the Bears traded a draft pick for Jonah Jackson, they added one of the NFL’s top young interior offensive linemen to their roster. Jackson, who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has quickly become one of the more promising guards in the league. He earned a starting spot immediately in his rookie season and has been a fixture on Detroit’s offensive line ever since.
Jackson is known for his ability to create running lanes and protect the quarterback, two critical aspects of the Bears’ offensive needs. With a solid build (6’4”, 306 lbs), he combines strength with excellent footwork and agility, making him a versatile option at the guard position. His ability to move in space and get to the second level in the run game will be crucial for a Bears offense that will likely emphasize a balanced attack in 2025.
One of the most important factors that made Jackson an attractive trade target for the Bears is his experience. He’s been part of a Detroit offensive line that has steadily improved over the last few years. His ability to pass protect and create holes in the run game made him an instant success in Detroit, and the Bears clearly see him as someone who can elevate their line immediately. The Bears’ offensive line has been inconsistent in recent years, and adding a seasoned player like Jackson will help stabilize things for a group that includes young talents like Teven Jenkins and Braxton Jones.
From a strategic standpoint, trading for Jackson signals that the Bears are trying to win now. After a somewhat turbulent 2024 season, the Bears are in a position where they can’t afford to wait for a young player to develop in the trenches. Jackson is a known quantity with the potential to immediately impact the Bears’ run and pass game. The front office is clearly committed to protecting their future quarterback (whoever that may be) and giving the offense the tools to succeed in 2025.
### The Decision to Move on from Jack Sanborn
While the acquisition of Jonah Jackson was undoubtedly exciting for Bears fans, the team also made the surprising decision to not tender linebacker Jack Sanborn. Sanborn, a product of the University of Wisconsin, had been an undrafted free agent who made a significant impact in his rookie year in 2023. Over the course of the season, he showed promise as a tough, intelligent, and hard-hitting linebacker with solid coverage skills and the ability to fill gaps in the run game. However, despite his promising play, the Bears made the decision to move on from him.
This decision has raised several questions. Why let go of a young, promising linebacker who showed such upside in his first year? To understand this move, it’s important to look at the Bears’ linebacker depth chart and overall team philosophy.
First, the Bears are likely looking to upgrade the linebacker position, especially in coverage and speed. While Sanborn played admirably as an inside linebacker, there were questions about his ability to cover faster, more athletic running backs and tight ends. The NFL has shifted toward a more pass-heavy game, and teams need linebackers who can cover ground quickly. With the rise of dynamic pass-catching backs and fast, vertical-tight ends, Sanborn’s skill set may not have fully aligned with the Bears’ evolving defensive needs.
Additionally, the Bears may have decided to allocate resources toward other areas of the defense or special teams. The linebacker class in the 2025 NFL Draft is deep, and with multiple high-profile players available, Chicago might have seen a chance to invest in a more versatile or athletically gifted player at the position. Rather than paying to tender Sanborn, they might believe they can upgrade at the position for a lower price point or draft a more well-rounded linebacker in the coming months.
Another consideration is the development of other linebackers already on the roster. The Bears have several options at linebacker, including veterans like T.J. Edwards and young prospects like Jaylon Johnson. With new defensive coordinator Alan Williams at the helm, the team may be shifting to a different defensive philosophy that doesn’t rely as heavily on Sanborn’s style of play.
### Looking Ahead: The Bears’ Offseason Strategy
The moves to acquire Jonah Jackson and not tender Jack Sanborn are part of a larger picture for the Bears in the 2025 offseason. With the team coming off a disappointing season, it’s clear that Chicago is focused on building a team capable of competing for a playoff spot and ultimately a championship in the near future. While some of these moves might seem puzzling on the surface, they are aligned with the broader goals of improving both sides of the ball.
The decision to trade for an established player like Jackson shows that the Bears are serious about improving their offensive line and protecting their quarterback, while moving on from Sanborn signals that they’re willing to part with promising players who don’t align with the long-term vision of the team. Chicago’s front office appears to be in full rebuild mode, but not in the traditional sense. They’re not just adding draft picks and young talent—they’re also making calculated decisions to bring in proven veterans who can make an impact now.
In the coming months, the Bears will likely continue to make moves aimed at balancing the roster. With the draft, free agency, and additional trades on the horizon, Chicago is gearing up for what could be a transformative season. Whether these moves will pay off remains to be seen, but the Bears are certainly positioning themselves for long-term success.
### Conclusion
The trade for Jonah Jackson and the decision to part ways with Jack Sanborn are two key moves that reflect the Chicago Bears’ evolving philosophy under new management. By adding a veteran offensive lineman to protect the quarterback and enhance the run game, the Bears have solidified one of their most pressing needs. Meanwhile, moving on from Sanborn suggests the team is looking for different traits at linebacker, possibly focusing on speed and coverage ability. While these decisions will undoubtedly be scrutinized, they signal that the Bears are not afraid to make bold choices as they aim to reshape their roster and set themselves up for future success.
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